Puerto Rico & Old San Juan

Puerto Rico and Old San Juan are beautifully tropical Caribbean cruise destinations. The country’s Spanish translation is “Rich Port.” I have visited Old San Juan -Puerto Rico twice and had two distinctly different experiences. The first was on a Puerto Rican Christmas day, just before COVID-19. The Island was alive with activity. The second was just after COVID-19.

A Little History

The Caribbean nation of Puerto Rico has a rich history. Significant ties to the United States are undeniable, as it is a U.S. territory. The prosperous port is located between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands. The Island has around three million residents.

Arrival to the Port

You see the magnificent Spanish fort on your left as you arrive through the cut into the safe harbor. The fortress is strikingly majestic and protects the entrance to the harbor. The rolling green-blue waves splash on the shore jetties. Imagine, in wonderment, what it must have been like for the large wooden sailing schooners entering port.

More about the ancient roots and history of the Island

Spanish and African Roots

The island’s rich history goes back well over two thousand years. Spain colonized it following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. It was a Spanish territory for four centuries. People from Andalusia and the Canary Islands influenced the Island. Sadly, it was also a place where enslaved Africans were brought.

Influences of Original Settlers

There is no denying how the culture has been influenced by the people who settled on the Island. Food and musical influences are unmistakable evidence from the early settlements to modern times.

Short History Lesson

In 1898, Puerto Rico became a territory of the U.S. government. This happened after the Spanish-American war.

In 1917, the residents of the island nation were American Citizens. This citizenship has some limitations. The residents of Puerto Rico cannot vote for president. The Island is not a state and can only send a non-voting representative to Congress.

Quest for State Hood

On the positive side, the people of Puerto Rico do not pay federal income tax and can elect a governor. Governance and possible statehood have been challenged through the years, and this subject is a hot topic with the Puerto Rican people.

Things to See and Do in Puerto Rico.

Walking Tour of old San Juan is a terrific way to spend a few hours. I recommend good sturdy shoes because the city is very hilly.

In Addition, the sidewalks can be uneven while walking on the street. I saw various iron plates and utility hole covers in places on the walkway. We toured through the old red-light district, an old church, and renovated government buildings converted into museums.

Puerto Rican Cuisine

At the end of our walking tour, we got a restaurant recommendation from our guide. He did not disappoint. The restaurant was packed. It had the most beautiful smell of home-cooked food.

Roast Pork, Gandules with Rice

Lechon asado is a popular roast pork dish in Puerto Rican restaurants. It is typically served with a side of rice and Gandules. This dish is simple yet delicious. Puerto Ricans and Cubans are known for their exceptional pork preparations. Cubans typically use a mixture of sour orange, garlic, and spices, known as Mojo, to add flavor to their pork. Mojo is pronounced with an H sound instead of a J. It’s truly magical! I suggest ordering a side of plantains to accompany your meal. Plantains can be prepared in various ways to satisfy your taste buds.

My all-time favorite Puerto Rican way to eat plantains is in a dish called Mofongo. I know the name does not sound appetizing, but it tastes fantastic when I tell you. It is made with fried green plantains. Once fried, they are put into a mortar and mashed with garlic and pork rinds. These are the three essential ingredients. The variations are built on the basics. Somehow, these basics create a spell-binding flavor for your palate.

Now That You Had Your Classic Puerto Rican Meal

Things to Do and See

As mentioned before, a walking tour is an excellent choice. We did an off-book tour through TripAdvisor. The guide was formidable. We met him at a Starbucks in the center of old San Juan. It was so lovely he gave everyone on the tour souvenir shot glass and refrigerator magnets. I thought it to be a nice gesture. I had never had a guide to do that before. A surprise like the small gifts adds to your experience.

Going Off-Book

Going off-book excursions, there are always savings. You get the same tour and usually have a more enriching experience. The guide was a local. He was genuinely knowledgeable and easily understood. To learn more about going off-book, see the link below.

Love These Insane Savings Cruise Trips on a Budget

I wanted to mention again the walk can be a little demanding. Old San Juan is hilly. If you have mobility issues, take a coach or van tour. We did a van tour in San Juan on Christmas Day. You would think people would be home with their families. No, it’s’ just the opposite. It was a party wherever you went. That was our first visit to Puerto Rico. That experience will be hard to match.

Mobility Issues and Touring

The only thing that could be challenging is if you are on a coach. You will need to climb in and out of the coach.

If that is a challenge, then I recommend a passenger van tour. You will see more of the Island on the coach and van tours, and you cover more miles than a walking tour. There are planned stops at various venues, including the beach, an excellent opportunity for a picture or two. The day we were touring, the wind blew 45 MPH; it was not a good beach day.

Tour The Spanish Fort Castillo San del Marro

In addition, the tour usually includes the Spanish Fort, the same fort you see when the ship enters port. The Spanish fort is a national park. Unfortunately, when I did my coach tour, the fort was closed due to U.S. shutdowns, with the budget funding federal employees. This was not only in Puerto Rico but also in the state’s mainland at that time.

There is so much to do, so Little Time.

In Puerto Rico, you will run out of time before you run out of things to do.

Here is a compact list of things to do—excursions you can book.

Take A food tour.

Yummy Yum, try some traditional Hispanic food, including some Mofongo[my favorite]

Tour Casa Bacardi  

Be a want a be bartender. Take a bartending class.

Catamaran to a small island.

Includes snorkeling.

Go four-wheeling

This can be part of an ecotour.

Jet skiing is always fun.

This is an exceedingly small list of things to see and do while you are in Puerto Rico.

I hope you enjoy your trip to this beautiful tropical Island as much as I have. I love sharing my adventures with you. Enjoy!

More About Puerto Rico

: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/island

For more Florida Port Information Link Below

http://floridacruiseportextension.com

All the Best, Cruising Steve,